U.S. patent application number 15/320271 was filed with the patent office on 2017-06-29 for system of flexible pipes and coupling elements and method of producing such a flexible pipe.
The applicant listed for this patent is Halpa Intellectual Properties B.V.. Invention is credited to Bert Fennechienes Alberts.
Application Number | 20170184243 15/320271 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51398811 |
Filed Date | 2017-06-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170184243 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Alberts; Bert Fennechienes |
June 29, 2017 |
System of flexible pipes and coupling elements and method of
producing such a flexible pipe
Abstract
The invention relates to a system of flexible pipes (1) and
coupling elements (6) for coupling the flexible pipes. The flexible
pipes each comprise an inner conduit and multiple cavities running
substantially parallel over the outer surface of the inner conduit.
The coupling elements each comprise an inner opening and multiple
outer openings surrounding the inner opening, such that, in the
coupled state, the inner conduits of adjacent flexible pipes are
connected by means of the inner opening of the intermediate
coupling element and the cavities of adjacent flexible pipes are
connected by means of the outer openings of the intermediate
coupling element. The invention further relates to a method of
producing a flexible pipe as described as part of the system.
Inventors: |
Alberts; Bert Fennechienes;
(Twist, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Halpa Intellectual Properties B.V. |
Gramsbergen |
|
NL |
|
|
Family ID: |
51398811 |
Appl. No.: |
15/320271 |
Filed: |
June 19, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
June 19, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/NL2015/050448 |
371 Date: |
December 19, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16L 11/22 20130101;
F16L 39/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F16L 39/02 20060101
F16L039/02; F16L 11/22 20060101 F16L011/22 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 20, 2014 |
NL |
2013043 |
Claims
1. System of flexible pipes (1) and coupling elements (6) for
coupling the flexible pipes, wherein the flexible pipes each
comprise an inner conduit (2) and multiple cavities (5) running
substantially parallel over the outer surface of the inner conduit
and wherein the coupling element comprise an inner opening (62) and
multiple outer openings (65) surrounding the inner opening, such
that, in the coupled state, the inner conduits (2) of adjacent
flexible pipes are connected by means of the inner opening (62) of
the intermediate coupling element (6) and the cavities (5) of
adjacent flexible pipes (1) are connected by means of the outer
openings (65) of the intermediate coupling element, characterized
in that each coupling element (6) comprises a male part (63) and a
female part (64) for receiving the male part and a joint element
(61) for placement between two flexible pipes, wherein the joint
element comprises the inner opening (62) and the outer openings
(65), wherein the dimensions of the inner opening (62) correspond
to the dimensions of the inner conduit (2) and the dimensions of
the outer openings (65) correspond to the dimensions of the
cavities (5) for forming straight passageways between adjacent
flexible pipes and wherein the joint element (61) further comprises
through holes (66) for longitudinal fasteners (67), wherein the
flexible pipes at the outer ends are arranged for receiving the
fasteners.
2. System according to claim 1, wherein in the coupled state of the
coupling element (6) the joint element (61) is enclosed in the
coupling element (6).
3. System according to claim 1, wherein the female part (64) has
inner thread and the male part (63) has outer thread.
4. System according to claim 1, wherein each pipe (1) comprises: a)
An inner conduit (2); b) A number of spacer elements (10) having a
general longitudinal shape fixated at a mutual distance to the
outer side of the inner conduit; c) An outer cover (4) formed by
one or more layers (41,42,43) of thermoplastic material fixated
around the inner conduit (2) and the spacer elements (10),
characterised in that longitudinal cavities (5) suitable for use as
passageways for objects are formed between the inner conduit (2),
the spacer elements (10) and the outer cover (4).
5. System according to claim 4, wherein the inner conduit (2)
comprises an inner cover (3) formed by one or more layers (31, 32,
33) of thermoplastic material fixated around the inner conduit.
6. System according to claim 1, wherein inlet/outlet openings (51,
52) are arranged in the wall of the pipe for allowing material
flowing in/out of the cavities (5).
7. Coupling element as described as part of the system according to
claim 1.
8. Method of producing a flexible pipe as described as part of the
system according to claim 1, comprising the following steps: a)
Selecting a tube for forming an inner conduit (2); b) Placing a
number of spacer elements (10) at a mutual distance on to the inner
conduit, said spacer elements having a general longitudinal shape;
and c) Fixating the spacer elements to the inner conduit;
characterized by d) Applying one or more layers (41, 42, 43)
comprising thermoplastic material to the spacer elements to form an
outer cover (4), such that cavities (5) are enclosed between the
inner conduit, the spacer elements and the outer cover; and e)
Fixating at least one of the layers to the spacer elements, such
that the cavities are suitable for use as passageways for
objects.
9. Method according to claim 8, whereby step a) further comprises
winding one or more layers (31, 32, 33) comprising thermoplastic
material around the inner conduit (2) to form an inner cover and
whereby the method further comprises step f) Fixating at least one
of the layers to the inner conduit.
10. Method according to claim 8, whereby the spacer elements are
placed such that they extend substantially in longitudinal or
helical direction over the inner conduit.
11. Method according to claim 8, whereby step a) and/or and step d)
comprise the step of winding a first layer (31) of covering
material and a second layer (32) of reinforcing material around the
first layer (31).
12. Method according to claim 11, whereby step a) and step d)
further comprise the step of winding a third layer (33) of
protecting material around the second layer (32).
13. Method according to claim 8, whereby fixating is achieved by
means of agglutinating or heat transfer, preferably heat transfer
by laser means.
14. Flexible pipe as produced by the method according to claim 8.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a system of flexible pipes and
coupling elements for coupling the flexible pipes. The invention
further relates to a method of producing a flexible pipe,
preferably a pipe for use in the production of hydrocarbons.
[0002] By flexible pipe a pipe is meant that is sufficiently
flexible to be rolled up for transportation. Flexibility also
provides advantages during installation and operation. Moreover a
flexible pipe can be easily retrieved in order to be re-used.
[0003] Flexible pipes for transporting fluid are known to be made
from a combination of metal and thermoplastic sheaths and covers
made using an extrusion process as described in WO2012/092931. This
known pipe is suitable for use in the subsea transportation of
fluids.
[0004] The present invention has for its object to provide a system
according to the preamble of universal, flexible pipes that are
suitable for many purposes.
[0005] According to the present invention this object is achieved
by a system according to the preamble, wherein the flexible pipes
each comprise an inner conduit and multiple cavities running
substantially parallel over the outer surface of the inner conduit
and wherein the coupling elements each comprise an inner opening
and multiple outer openings surrounding the inner opening, such
that, in the coupled state, the inner conduits of adjacent flexible
pipes are connected by means of the inner opening of the
intermediate coupling element and the cavities of adjacent flexible
pipes are connected by means of the outer openings of the
intermediate coupling element.
[0006] Such a system is known in the field, for instance from
US2008/0006337 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,713,607.
[0007] The system according to the invention distinguishes over the
prior art in that each coupling element comprises a male part and a
female part for receiving the male part and a joint element for
placement between two flexible pipes, wherein the joint element
comprises the inner opening and the outer openings, wherein the
dimensions of the inner opening correspond to the dimensions of the
inner conduit and the dimensions of the outer openings correspond
to the dimensions of the cavities for forming straight passageways
between adjacent flexible pipes and further comprises through holes
for longitudinal fasteners, wherein the flexible pipes at the outer
ends are arranged for receiving the fasteners. The coupling element
provides for a fluid tight seal. Furthermore the coupling element
can be coupled and decoupled manually without the need for
additional tools. In addition the mating dimensions of the joint
element and the flexible pipes result in straight passageways
having a non-tapering cross section. In the coupled state an
unobstructed flow or flush flow is made possible between coupled
flexible pipes.
[0008] According to an elegant preferred embodiment in the coupled
state of the coupling element the joint element (including the
fasteners) is enclosed in the coupling element.
[0009] According to a practical preferred embodiment the female
part has inner thread and the male part has outer thread.
[0010] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
method of producing such a flexible pipe having multiple fluid
passageways.
[0011] According to the present invention this further object is
achieved by a method of producing a flexible pipe, comprising the
following steps: [0012] a) Selecting a tube for forming an inner
conduit; [0013] b) Placing a number of spacer elements at a mutual
distance on to the inner conduit, said spacer elements having a
general longitudinal shape; and [0014] c) Fixating the spacer
elements to the inner conduit.
[0015] Such a method is known from US2008/0006337.
[0016] The method according to the invention distinguishes over the
prior art by the following steps: [0017] d) Applying one or more
layers comprising thermoplastic material to the spacer elements to
form an outer cover, such that cavities are enclosed between the
inner conduit, the spacer elements and the outer cover; and [0018]
e) Fixating at least one of the layers to the spacer elements, such
that the cavities are suitable for use as passageways for
objects.
[0019] The flexible pipe produced by the method according to the
invention can withstand high working pressures (of about 15000 psi)
due to the pressure retaining spacers.
[0020] The invention provides a universal system of
interconnectable flexible pipes that is suitable for many purposes.
The system according to the invention is specifically for
transporting flowing material, such as a fluid or particles,
preferably for use in the production of hydrocarbons.
[0021] The cavities surrounding the inner conduit allow the pipe to
be adapted for cooperation with all types of equipment. Objects,
such as cables, can be received in the cavities, for instance data
cables, power cables, optic fibre cables, for connecting equipment.
One example is the equipment described in the international patent
application WO2014/011043 of the same applicant. Herein a so called
Wire line Retrievable Oil Production (WROP) system is described for
the production of hydrocarbons. Specifically the pipe according to
the present invention can be used as a tubing to receive plug-in
devices as described in WO2014/011043.
[0022] According to a further preferred embodiment each flexible
pipe comprises: [0023] An inner conduit; [0024] A number of spacer
elements having a general longitudinal shape fixated at a mutual
distance to the outer side of the inner conduit; [0025] An outer
cover formed by one or more layers of thermoplastic material
fixated around the inner conduit and the spacer elements, such that
longitudinal cavities suitable for use as passageways for objects
are formed between the inner conduit, the spacer elements and the
outer cover.
[0026] In this preferred embodiment of the system the flexible
pipes can be produced in a fast and reliable manner and can be
adapted optimally for their intended use. Depending on the specific
use of the pipe the spacer elements can be laid in different
patterns, including extending substantially in longitudinal or
helical direction over the inner conduit.
[0027] The inner conduit can be reinforced in a preferred
embodiment, wherein the inner conduit comprises an inner cover
formed by one or more layers of thermoplastic material fixated
around the inner conduit.
[0028] According to a multipurpose embodiment of the pipe according
to the invention inlet/outlet openings are arranged in the wall of
the pipe for allowing material flowing in/out of the cavities.
[0029] It is noted that in EP1039201 a flexible pipe having
cavities surrounding the inner conduit is described. This known
pipe is described to be made from thermoplastic materials using an
extrusion process. The known pipe is not suitable for transporting
fluids, since it cannot withstand the corresponding (high)
pressures. The known pipe is developed but for use in housing and
laying of cables only.
[0030] The invention will now further be described referring to the
appending figures, in which:
[0031] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates production of a first
embodiment of a pipe according to the invention;
[0032] FIG. 2A schematically shows part of the pipe of FIG. 1 in
cross section;
[0033] FIG. 2B schematically shows the pipe of FIG. 2A with partly
cut away section; and
[0034] FIG. 3A schematically shows a second embodiment of a pipe
according to the invention with cut away sections;
[0035] FIG. 3B schematically shows the second embodiment of FIG. 3A
in cross section with cut away sections;
[0036] FIG. 4A schematically shows a system of pipes coupled by
coupling elements according to the invention;
[0037] FIG. 4B schematically shows the system of FIG. 4A in
decoupled state; and
[0038] FIG. 4C schematically shows part of the coupling element of
FIG. 4B in more detail;
[0039] FIG. 4D shows part the part of FIG. 4C in cross section;
[0040] FIG. 5A schematically shows a pair of pipes according to the
invention that are coaxially arranged and accommodate
equipment;
[0041] FIG. 5B shows the pair of coaxially arranged pipes of FIG.
5A in cross section; and
[0042] FIG. 5C shows one pipe of the pair of coaxially arranged
pipes of FIG. 5A partly in cross section with equipment.
[0043] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates pipe 1 in a first
embodiment during production according to the method according to
the invention. FIG. 2A schematically shows a cross section of part
of pipe 1. FIG. 2B schematically shows the pipe 1 of FIG. 2A with
partly cut away section.
[0044] Pipe 1 is a first embodiment suitable for use in the
production of hydrocarbons. All materials used therein need to be
able to withstand the high pressure and high temperature that may
occur during the production of hydrocarbons. Preferably use is made
of thermoplastic materials. One example of a specifically suitable
thermoplastic material is known in the relevant field as (PEEK)
polymer, a polyaryletherketone material produced by VICTREX.
[0045] In a first step of the method according to the invention a
tubular body 2 is selected for forming an inner conduit of the pipe
1. Tube 2 is preferably produced using known extrusion methods.
[0046] Depending on the intended use of the pipe and the
characteristics of the tube 2 the first step optionally further
comprises applying an inner cover 3 over the inner conduit 2.
Preferably one or more layers 31, 32, 33 are wound around the inner
conduit 2 to form the inner cover 3.
[0047] The layers 31-33 may include thermoplastic material,
reinforcing material and/or protective material. Suitable
reinforcing material comprises aramid fibres. Suitable protective
material provides protection against abrasion.
[0048] According to a second step of the method according to the
invention a number of spacer elements 10 are attached at a mutual
distance to the outer side of the inner conduit 2. Each spacer
element 10 has a general longitudinal shape. The spacer elements 10
can be laid in suitable patterns. One preferred pattern involves
attaching the spacer elements 10 such that they extend
substantially in longitudinal direction over the inner conduit 2.
This preferred embodiment is shown in FIG. 1. In the preferred
embodiment shown the longitudinal direction of the pipe 1 is
denoted with the arrow and letter L. The mutual distance between
adjacent spacer elements 10 is denoted with the arrow and letter C.
As the pattern of spacer elements 10 extends in longitudinal
direction L, the mutual distance C between the spacer elements 10
is a circumferential distance.
[0049] FIGS. 3A and 3B schematically show a pipe 1' according to
the invention with partly cut away section. Pipe 1' is an
alternative second embodiment, wherein the spacer elements 10 are
attached such that they extend substantially in helical direction
around the inner conduit 2.
[0050] The spacer elements are preferably of a non-corrosive metal
or a thermoplastic material. The spacer elements are preferably
arranged substantially equidistant. The spacer elements may be cut
out of a further tube. Said further tube is selected such that its
inner radius substantially corresponds to the outer radius of the
tube for forming the inner conduit 2. The further tube or the
individual spacer elements can also be produced by known methods of
extrusion.
[0051] The spacer elements can either be massive or hollow. Hollow
spacer elements 11 include cavities or channels allowing flow of
material through the spacer elements.
[0052] The spacer elements 10 are first placed in the desired
pattern and then adhered to the inner conduit 2. Suitable adhesive
materials may be used. Alternatively when thermoplastics are used
the pipe may be heated at least in part up to the softening
temperature of the thermoplastic materials during a predetermined
time period for adhering the spacer elements 10 to the inner
conduit 2. Suitable heating means may include a laser to temporary
heat the contacting surfaces of the spacer elements 10 with the
inner conduit 2.
[0053] According to a further step of the method according to the
invention an outer cover 4 is applied around the inner conduit 2
and the spacer elements 10. As a result thereof cavities or
channels 5 are enclosed by the inner conduit 2, the spacer elements
10 and the outer cover 4. Preferably one or more layers 41, 42, 43
are wound around the inner conduit 2 and the spacer elements 10 to
form outer cover 4.
[0054] The layers 41-43 may include thermoplastic material,
reinforcing material and/or protective material. Suitable
reinforcing material comprises aramid fibres. Suitable protective
material provides protection against abrasion.
[0055] A final step of the method according to the invention
comprises adhering the spacer elements 10 to the outer cover 4 as
well as adhering the layers to form the outer cover. Suitable
adhesive materials may be used. When thermoplastics are used
adhering may be accomplished by heating the pipe at least in part
up to the softening temperature of the thermoplastic materials
during a predetermined time period. Suitable heating means may
include a laser to temporary heat the contacting surfaces of the
spacer elements 10 with the outer cover 4 and the layers
therein.
[0056] Preferably the cavities or channels 5 are fluid tight and
suitable for use as fluid passageways in the production of
hydrocarbons.
[0057] Inlet/outlet openings can be arranged in the wall of the
pipe to allow fluid to flow between the inner conduit 2 and the
cavities 5 and/or between the cavities 5 and the surroundings of
the pipe 1. This is illustrated in FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C.
[0058] FIG. 4A schematically shows a system of pipes 1 coupled by
coupling elements 6 according to the invention. The coupling
elements 6 are arranged to provide for continuous passageways
through the coupled pipes. In the coupled state the inner conduits
2 of adjacent pipes form a continuous inner channel. In the coupled
state the cavities 5 or 15 of adjacent pipes form continuous outer
channels. In FIG. 4A a longitudinal housing 100 is coupled at both
outer ends to a flexible pipe 1 according to the invention. The
housing is an example of a tubing arranged to receive plug-in
devices of the WROP-system as described in WO2014/011043.
[0059] FIG. 4B schematically shows the system of FIG. 4A in
decoupled state. Coupling element 6 is shown in more detail in FIG.
4C. Coupling element 6 comprises a male part 63 and a female part
64 for receiving the male part 63 and a joint element 61 for
placement between the flexible pipes 1 or 100. The joint element
comprises an inner opening 62 and surrounding outer openings 65 and
further comprises through holes 66 for longitudinal fasteners 67,
such as bolts. In the coupled state of the coupling element 6 the
joint element 61 is enclosed therein.
[0060] The dimensions of the inner opening 62 of the coupling
element 6 correspond to the dimensions of the inner conduit 2 of
pipe 1. The dimensions of the outer openings 65 of the coupling
element 6 correspond to the dimensions of the cavities 5 or 15 of
pipe 1. In FIGS. 4C and 4D the dashed arrows indicate passageways
for materials and the dashed lines indicate the through holes for
the fasteners. The joint element 61 is generally ring shaped. The
outer openings 65 and the holes 66 are arranged alternately over
the joint element 61. The holes 66 are recessed with respect to the
outer openings 65. The shape of the outer openings 65 corresponds
to the shape of the cavities 5 of the pipe 1. The mating shape of
the joint element 61 and the outer ends of the flexible pipes 1
allow for a fluid tight seal.
[0061] At the outer ends of the flexible pipes 1 slots 69 are
arranged for receiving the fasteners 67. In the preferred
embodiment shown two pairs of three bolts each face each other.
Preferably the female part 64 has inner thread and the male part 63
has outer thread. Coupling element 6 can be coupled and decoupled
manually.
[0062] The coupling element according to the invention can further
be connected to the following non-limited enumeration of examples:
[0063] a) Pipe Equipment Elements used in Hydrocarbon production
environments, such as Sliding Side doors, to interconnect (open or
closing) the inner pipe to the external environments [0064] b)
Crossovers--to connect the pipe to smaller or larger diameter pipes
or elements; [0065] c) Packer elements to seal-off the external or
inner spaces in and around the pipe, [0066] d) Filter elements
(wired or slotted) for in and out-flowing fluids or gasses, [0067]
e) Side Pocket elements for use with measuring equipment and valves
[0068] f) Anchor elements to fixate the pipes into a larger
diameter pipe or external conduit.
[0069] FIGS. 5A through 5C illustrate a pair of pipes 1A, 1B
according to the invention that are coaxially arranged and
accommodate equipment 200. One example of equipment is a plug-in
device of the WROP-system as described in WO2014/011043.
[0070] Fluid flow in the cavities 5A of outer pipe 1A is indicated
with arrow F1. A substantially parallel fluid flow in the cavities
5B of inner pipe 1B is indicated with arrow F2. A substantially
parallel fluid flow through the equipment 200 is indicated with
arrow F3. Inlet/outlet openings 51 are arranged in adjacent walls
of the pipes 1A, 1B to allow fluid flow R1 between the cavities 5A
and 5B. Inlet/outlet openings 52 are arranged in the wall of the
pipe 1B to allow fluid flow R2 between the cavities 5B and openings
in the equipment 200. The inlet/outlet openings are sealed, as
illustrated by seals 53 adjacent to inlet/outlet openings 51.
Suitable fixation means 210 are present to fixate the equipment 200
in the pipe 1B.
[0071] The present invention is elucidated by means of preferred
embodiments for use in the production of hydrocarbons. Nevertheless
it is stretched that the pipe is generally suitable for
transporting material flows, including fluid, gases, or particles,
and is generally suitable for transporting all types of material
flows even in highly demanding circumstances.
[0072] The invention is not therefore limited to the described and
shown preferred embodiments, but extends to all combinations
thereof and moreover to any embodiment falling within the scope of
protection as defined in the claims and as seen in the light of the
foregoing description and accompanying drawings.
* * * * *